ATLANTA – The Islanders’ preparation will not change for tonight’s game against the Thrashers, a team that’s gotten off to a 2-0 start behind the emotion of playing for a pair of fallen teammates.

The Isles were not untouched by the tragedy that took Dan Snyder’s life – assistant Curt Fraser and equipment man Scott Moon attended his funeral – and with heavy hearts, they know it won’t be an easy game.

“They’ve got to be doing something right, playing-wise,” Islander coach Steve Stirling said. “They’re playing real well, first and foremost, and that isn’t always emotion. Obviously, there is some emotion there for the obvious reasons. But they’re playing well, above and beyond the emotion. That, for me, is a little more difficult piece.”

The 1-1 Isles, looking to get in the black with a win, are playing with a bit of confidence themselves after a dominating effort Saturday in Buffalo that produced Rick DiPietro’s first NHL shutout.

“Well, yeah, but it’s only one game,” Stirling said. “They’ve got a couple of games under their belt. So, it’s a little different.”

Said Arron Asham: “I think we’re just gonna go in there and play our game. “They’re a pretty emotional club over there right now from what’s been going on. They’re going to be revved up, but we just gotta go in there and try not to think of too much.”

DiPietro will likely be in nets again tonight, while Stirling wrestled with changing the lineup that bottled up the Sabres so masterfully.

Among those who flourished Saturday were Sven Butenschon (15:20 ice time, plus-1 with an assist) and Justin Papineau (an assist in only 7:09), who were both healthy scratches in Washington.